Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that Vietnam currently has four of the more than 200 UNESCO Global Geoparks. These are not only internationally valuable "gold mines" in archaeology, geology, and geomorphology, but also important spaces for preserving local history and culture, holding immense potential for promoting sustainable tourism development while simultaneously protecting natural resources and traditional culture.
The four UNESCO-recognized Global Geoparks in Vietnam are: Dong Van Cham Plateau Geopark (2010), Cao Bang Son Water Geopark (2018), Dac Nong Geopark (2020), and Lang Son Geopark (2024).
Each geopark is considered a "living geological museum," showcasing the harmony and close connection between natural diversity, magnificent beauty, and the rich and unique cultures of its various ethnic groups.
Dong Van Cham Plateau Geopark attracts tourists with its limestone terrain and the fusion of customs, architecture, and traditional handicrafts of the Hmong, Yao, Lolo, and Tay ethnic groups. Cao Bang Geopark is most memorable for its limestone mountains, river valleys, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and numerous archaeological sites. It is a rich cultural heritage site for the Tay, Nung, and Hmong ethnic groups. Dak Nong Geopark is popular for its basalt volcanic cave system, gong and drum culture, and the intangible cultural heritage of the Mu Nung and Eti ethnic groups. Lang Son Geopark is renowned for its ancient rock deposits, magnificent cave systems, and the unique cultural life of the Tay, Nung, and Yao ethnic groups.
In recent years, leveraging the unique value of its geoparks, Vietnam has gradually developed various tourism products, making geoparks an increasingly important competitive advantage for local tourism. The Dong Van Rock Plateau Geopark is the most representative example. Its numerous unique natural and cultural resources have become a magnet for tourists, such as the Tu Sản Valley heritage site, the Nhu Quy River, the Ma Pi Lang Ridge, the Long Gó Qu Flag Terrace, and the Lô Lô Chải village. The Dong Van Rock Plateau Management Committee has developed four experiential tourism routes, covering 59 unique scenic spots.
At the Cao Bang Mountain Geopark, four experiential tourism routes have been opened, covering 57 attractions. Popular destinations include Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ngườm Ngao Cave, Phia Oắc-Phia Đén National Park, and the Pác Bó Relics Area.
The Dak Nong Geopark Management Committee has developed three tourism routes connecting 41 unique scenic spots, with Tà Đùng Lake, Đray Sáp Waterfall, and Đắk Mil Prison being particularly noteworthy.
The Lang Son Geopark has also focused on developing four tourism routes connecting 38 attractions.
This demonstrates that the tourism development potential of Vietnam's various UNESCO Global Geoparks has not yet been fully realized.
Industry experts believe that it is necessary to develop distinctive tourism products for each World Geopark in a professional manner.
Furthermore, for World Geopark tourism products to attract tourists, they must be tangible, allowing visitors to see, touch, and experience them. The scientific value in geology, geography, and history needs to be closely integrated with the beauty of the natural landscape and local cultural elements to create a unique "story" for each attraction. At the same time, it is necessary to diversify the types of tourism products and avoid duplication and direct competition. (End)
